Big Ten football power poll

1. Michigan State (6-1, 3-0): Defense might be down a bit, but Spartans rank third in the nation with 47 points per game.

2. Ohio State (5-1, 2-0): The Buckeyes get Penn State and Illinois before big showdown at Michigan State on Nov. 8.

3. Nebraska (6-1, 2-1): The Huskers outgained Northwestern last week 244-28 in a dominant second half.

4. Gophers (6-1, 3-0): Minnesota is 7-2 in its past nine Big Ten games, the Gophers' best stretch since 1967-68.

5. Maryland (5-2, 2-1): WR Stefon Diggs has hit his stride and made nine receptions for 130 yards against Iowa.

6. Wisconsin (4-2, 1-1): Badgers face Big Ten newcomers the next two weeks: home vs. Maryland, then at Rutgers.

7. Iowa (5-2, 2-1): Hawkeyes have a bye to stew over Maryland loss before playing Northwestern and Minnesota.

9. Penn State (4-2, 1-2): Christian Hackenberg has been sacked 20 times in six games behind a woeful offensive line.

10. Rutgers (5-2, 1-2): After 39-point loss at Ohio State, this team heads to Nebraska on Welcome to Big Ten Tour.

11. Michigan (3-4, 1-2): Sacked seven times vs. Michigan State last year, Devin Gardner has one more shot at revenge.

12. Purdue (3-5, 1-3): Boilers came close vs. Michigan State and Minnesota and travel to Nebraska in two weeks.

13. Indiana (3-4, 0-3): With no passing threat, Tevin Coleman still rushed for 132 yards vs. Michigan State.